Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 18, 2023

Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. Although many won’t admit it, true entrepreneurs can’t wait to exit their current startup, and build a new and better one with their next great idea. For these reasons, I always look for an overt exit strategy in every startup I might consider for an angel investment.

Exit Strategy 248

Exit Strategy Valuation Acquisition Metrics 248

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 26, 2018

Despite the fact that the number of IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) for startups have continued to stay low, I still hear it touted often as the preferred exit strategy. Concerns over valuations being reset to a new normal, and a soft exit market, are seen as key drivers. Everyone dreams of becoming a billionaire overnight.

Exit Strategy 128

Exit Strategy IPO Initial Public Offering SEC 128

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

I have often been asked about Startup Funding by entrepreneurs. Here is Startup Funding, a Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are passionate as they want to change the world or solve a problem, but don’t expect the investors to be as passionate as you are about your business. Pre-Requisites of Funding.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 19, 2012

Entrepreneurs love the art of the start. So here are the most common exit strategies and considerations these days for planning purposes: Merger & Acquisition (M&A). Even lifetime entrepreneurs can decide that enough is enough. To some, an exit strategy sounds negative. Marty Zwilling.

Exit Strategy 241

Exit Strategy Initial Public Offering IPO Startup 241

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 9, 2021

Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. Although many won’t admit it, true entrepreneurs can’t wait to exit their current startup, and build a new and better one with their next great idea. For these reasons, I always look for an overt exit strategy in every startup I might consider for an angel investment.

Exit Strategy 434

Exit Strategy Valuation Acquisition Metrics 434

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019

Some nonprofit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. A nonprofit is still a business, maybe even tougher than for-profit to run successfully, so the best angel is a great entrepreneur at the helm for fund-raising, as well as operations.

Equity 235

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 235

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 7, 2020

I recognize that entrepreneurs tend to substitute vision and passion for formal processes, but using no discipline or process in building something new is a sure way to spend money, rather than see any return and build a self-sustaining business. Managing to specific goals, priorities, and a plan. Team building status and plan.

Entrepreneur 328

Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Metrics Operations 328

Up and Running

MAY 12, 2020

While many traditional jobs still can’t function remotely, or have difficulty adjusting, many entrepreneurs have found success in starting a business from home. Think about an exit strategy. But establishing an exit strategy is another important piece that forces you to look toward the future of your business.

Software Review 153

Software Review Exit Strategy Technical Review Business Plan 153

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 3, 2021

Based on my own years of experience in startups and big business, and more recently as an angel investor, I often cringe when I see one of you entrepreneurs missing a cue that I have seen work for many before you. A passionate entrepreneur I met a while back had found that a certain algae could be grown cheaply, and could end world hunger.

Exit Strategy 406

Exit Strategy Merger Angel Investor IPO 406

Up and Running

AUGUST 18, 2014

Difference #3 – planning for the ‘end’ or the exit strategy. “Startups looking for angel investors or venture capital (VC) absolutely need an exit strategy because investors require it. The exit is what gives them a return.” Ever heard of the serial entrepreneur? ” – Tim Berry.

Small Business 154

Small Business Exit Strategy Cofounder Angel Investor 154

Up and Running

MARCH 14, 2018

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs think, “Oh, I know my business inside and out—pitching will be a breeze!” I’ve seen many entrepreneurs crash and burn when delivering their investor pitch—and ramble on and on. Your exit strategy. Don’t wing it.

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Angel Investor 164

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 14, 2023

Based on my experience as an investor and mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere, one of the quickest ways to kill your credibility and your startup is to offer a poorly written business plan, or none at all. An entrepreneur who can’t manage a plan, probably won’t be able to manage the new business.

Silicon Valley 257

Silicon Valley Exit Strategy Startup Business Plan 257

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 5, 2023

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million-dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 305

Incubator Startup Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 305

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 8, 2023

Most entrepreneurs have found by now one or more of the many popular crowdfunding sites , and have the name and contact information for at least one of the big venture capital firms. Each has met legal securities minimums for net worth and professionalism, to reduce the risk to entrepreneurs. Most share expertise as well as money.

Venture Capital 265

Venture Capital Accredited Investor Syndicate Syndication 265

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 10, 2023

I recognize that entrepreneurs tend to substitute vision and passion for formal processes, but using no discipline or process in building something new is a sure way to spend money, rather than see any return and build a self-sustaining business. Managing to specific goals, priorities, and a plan. Team building status and plan.

Exit Strategy 288

Exit Strategy Metrics Operations Cost 288

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 13, 2019

No investor likes searching every page for key data, like executive credentials, or exit strategy. Investors hear from too many entrepreneurs that envision a great business opportunity, but don’t have any written business plan at all. This is a failing strategy as well. Include table of contents. It won’t work.

Business Plan 242

Business Plan Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Audience 242

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Some nonprofit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. A nonprofit is still a business, maybe even tougher than for-profit to run successfully, so the best angel is a great entrepreneur at the helm for fund-raising, as well as operations.

Angel Investor 132

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 132

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 23, 2021

Most aspiring entrepreneurs I know are just waiting for that unique idea to strike them that will kickstart their new venture, put them in control of their lifestyle, achieve financial independence, and maybe even change the world. What do you see as your legacy and exit strategy?

Startup 399

Startup Exit Strategy Cofounder Equity 399

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 7, 2022

One of the big questions that every entrepreneur struggles with is how much funding they should request from investors in the first round. The best way to show return on investment is to declare an exit strategy, such as being acquired or going public in the next five years, which allows the investor to cash out.

Preferred Stock 304

Preferred Stock Exit Strategy Equity Angel Investor 304

Up and Running

DECEMBER 6, 2010

What’s an exit strategy? Lately I see a lot of people assuming it refers to the original entrepreneurs who started the company. And I once heard one person object to exit strategy as a company moving away from its original location to some other. Investors always want exit strategies, I said.

Exit Strategy 71

Exit Strategy Liquidity Event Early Stage Entrepreneur 71

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 11, 2016

As an active angel investor myself, I understand how the process works, and I see the disappointment in the eyes of entrepreneurs who approach angel groups for funding and often get turned away for not being timely or prepared in the minds of potential investors. These are all accredited investors who risk their own money.

Angel Investor 120

Angel Investor Intellectual Property Accredited Investor Angel Groups 120

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 19, 2021

No investor likes searching every page for key data, like executive credentials, or exit strategy. Investors hear from too many entrepreneurs that envision a great business opportunity, but don’t have any written business plan at all. This is a failing strategy as well. Include table of contents. It won’t work.

Exit Strategy 339

Exit Strategy Business Plan Audience Search 339

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 12, 2020

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 429

Incubator Startup Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 429

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 31, 2021

Based on my experience as an investor and mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere, one of the quickest ways to kill your credibility and your startup is to offer a poorly written business plan, or none at all. An entrepreneur who can’t manage a plan, probably won’t be able to manage the new business.

Silicon Valley 342

Silicon Valley Exit Strategy Business Plan Restful 342

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 13, 2013

Some non-profit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. A non-profit is still a business, maybe even tougher than for-profit to run successfully, so the best angel is a great entrepreneur at the helm for fund-raising, as well as operations.

Equity 207

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 207

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

Some non-profit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. A non-profit is still a business, maybe even tougher than for-profit to run successfully, so the best angel is a great entrepreneur at the helm for fund-raising, as well as operations.

Angel Investor 218

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 218

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 7, 2013

Based on the final report for 2012 from Thomson Reuters and the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), it may appear that IPOs are back as a viable startup exit strategy. Sure, there will always some seed funding (10% of overall deal flow), but you can bet that this money goes to entrepreneurs who have been there before and won.

Venture Capital 252

Venture Capital IPO Elevator Pitch Initial Public Offering 252

Up and Running

JANUARY 2, 2013

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs think, “oh, I know my business inside and out – pitching will be a breeze!” I’ve also seen many entrepreneurs crash and burn when delivering their investor pitch – and ramble on and on. ” Good luck!

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Due Diligence 164

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 5, 2011

Many entrepreneurs still dream of “going public,” making billions of dollars, and playing with the big boys. I recently reviewed a good summary of the advantages and disadvantages of an IPO exit strategy for startups in a widely-used textbook “ Entrepreneurship ,” by Robert Hisrich, Michael Peters, and Dean Shepherd.

Exit Strategy 235

Exit Strategy IPO Investment Bankers Entrepreneur 235

Up and Running

JULY 15, 2016

While one approach is to attempt to build smart ties with China for your existing business while remaining abroad, an increasing number of foreign entrepreneurs decide to actually live in the U.S. This is clearly the best way for foreign entrepreneurs to retain control of the company and transfer money abroad. The TAS method.

China 60

China Entrepreneur Technical Review Framework 60

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 3, 2011

Some non-profit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. A non-profit is still a business, maybe even tougher than for-profit to run successfully, so the best angel is a great entrepreneur at the helm for fund-raising, as well as operations.

Angel Investor 238

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 238

Up and Running

MAY 4, 2015

Tips from entrepreneurs who successfully pitched their businesses for funding. The winning entrepreneur offers some important advice: avoid unrealistic financial projections (you’ll look like an amateur), and always copy edit your pitch deck. State your exit strategy. We’ve got you covered. The one minute pitch .

Technical Review 60

Technical Review Entrepreneur Software Review Houston 60

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2021

Most entrepreneurs have found by now one or more of the many popular crowdfunding sites , and have the name and contact information for at least one of the big venture capital firms. Each has met legal securities minimums for net worth and professionalism, to reduce the risk to entrepreneurs. Most share expertise as well as money.

Search 317

Search Accredited Investor Angel Investor Venture Capital 317

YFS Magazine

JANUARY 11, 2016

At the end of the day, some entrepreneurs simple don’t want to bother thinking about this sort of stuff. After all, very few of us would like to go into a new business venture visualizing our own imminent departure.

Exit Strategy 60

Exit Strategy Founder Entrepreneur Startup 60

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 25, 2023

The last thing a new entrepreneur wants to think about for a new startup is how it will end. Yet one of the first things a potential equity investor asks about is your exit strategy. Here are three important reasons for the question: Good investment paybacks normally require an exit event.

Exit Strategy 264

Exit Strategy Private Equity Equity Technical Review 264

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 14, 2016

What every entrepreneur is asking me these days, is “How do I get to be a unicorn?” Yet there are a common set of driving factors that every entrepreneur should know, including the following: Extraordinary marketplace traction. Credible yet flexible exit strategy. These are popularly called “unicorns.”

Intellectual Property 120

Intellectual Property Valuation Merger Exit Strategy 120

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

A conundrum for many frustrated entrepreneurs is that they need money from investors to design and build a prototype product, yet most angel investors expect to see at least a prototype before they invest. Every entrepreneur needs a professional business plan for their own use, whether they intend to seek investor funding or not.

Intellectual Property 249

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Technical Review Elevator Pitch 249